So is there an alternative to cuts and privatisation? What does the left say about the crisis of the eurozone? What were the fundamental economic causes of the ‘great recession’ – and does the left have a different way out?

This conference, initiated by the Coalition of Resistance anti-cuts campaign in Britain, is the chance to find out.

Olivier Besancenot of France’s Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste is coming to speak, together with representatives from the Left Bloc in Portugal, Die Linke in Germany and Sinn Fein in Ireland, and from anti-austerity movements in Greece, Spain, Italy and more.

The organisers are calling it “the widest such forum since the meetings of the European Social Forum”. The conference will also be addressed by trade unionists from Britain, including Unite leader Len McCluskey.

Film director Ken Loach backed the conference, saying: “The need to organise against cuts is plain to all. It is equally clear that we need to make links with others facing similar attacks. We must not only speak of internationalism but make it a reality.”

Sinn Fein’s David Cullinane added: “This conference will be a timely event to both oppose the draconian cuts threatening ordinary people across Europe and to look at progressive alternatives. We are pleased to be at the conference to discuss perspectives for the way forward.”